New Zealand Dog has International Bite in Children’s Literature

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd has been voted number 13 in UK Junior Magazine’s ‘Top 100 children’s books of all time’ list.

This prestigious magazine has polled its readers in a celebration of its own 100th issue. The magazine praised Dodd for her use of ‘the richest language’, saying ‘Hairy’s array of doggy pals … is a rhythmic delight.’

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy, the only New Zealand book to make this list, is placed alongside Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat and J K Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy was first published in New Zealand, Australia and the UK in 1983 and will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2008.

A poll like this indicates just how firmly established Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy has become as a top children’s title on the international stage.

Bookman Beattie extends his warmest congratulations to Lynley Dodd and publishers Mallinson Rendell on a fantastic achievement.